The free PPE for healthcare workers scheme is coming to an end in the UK due to depleted stocks. This was always stated in the terms of the scheme, the documents state:
“The scheme has been extended until 31 March 2024 or until the Department of Health and Social Care’s (DHSC) stocks for COVID-19 supply are depleted (whichever is sooner)”
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-scheme/free-personal-protective-equipment-scheme
Now, the ‘supply’ is ‘depleted’ and we are seeing the end of the scheme sooner than March 2024. The government published a list of estimated ‘stock out’ dates for each piece of PPE by category. Notably, the following disposable gloves were estimated to be out of stock by April 2023.
What Now?
Now that free PPE for healthcare workers and other professionals will be a thing of the past, many businesses will have to find another affordable solution for their PPE supply. After all, the correct PPE is essential to the safety of your clients, patients and colleagues. It’s not something that you can simply do without.
Easygloves supplies PPE to healthcare facilities across the country, every single day. We’re here for you and your business throughout this industry-wide change.
Although free PPE is no longer an option in the UK, it’s highly affordable and easily accessible from Easygloves, the UK’s most trusted provider of disposable gloves.
The Objective of the Free PPE Scheme
The free PPE scheme was introduced by the British government in March 2023. The scheme works in line with the government’s COVID-19 strategy and response during a ‘challenging period of global inflation and cost of living pressures’.
The primary objectives of the scheme were to help protect frontline healthcare staff, the elderly and the vulnerable. The aim was to ultimately reduce the pressure on the NHS, by making basic PPE more accessible and healthcare environments safer in turn.
The Three Extensions of the Scheme
The free PPE scheme was hugely beneficial to healthcare workers and patients alike. Therefore, the provision was extended from April 2021 to December 2021. Then after a second review of the scheme, it was extended to March 2024 or until the ‘supply’ is ‘depleted’
These extensions happened to ensure that health and care workers had the PPE they needed to keep safe through any new waves of COVID-19 and the wintertime.
Who Qualifies for Free PPE?
The following beneficiaries are entitled to free PPE from the government:
- NHS trusts
- General medical practice activities
- Dental practice activities
- Residential care facilities
- Social work without accommodation
- Other health activities
- Community pharmacies (if they are remunerated by the state)
- Public sector organisations providing services as part of the state’s prerogative (i.e police and prison services)
How Much has the Free PPE Scheme Cost the Government?
The free PPE scheme holds a budget of £471,385,725.53 for the period 1st of April 2021 to 31 March 2024. However, this budget does not include NHS trusts as they are not ‘subject to subsidy control rules’.
We’re Your new PPE Provider
Easygloves is a supplier of affordable, protective disposable gloves. The free PPE scheme might be ending but your supply of PPE simply can’t.
Stock up on nitrile, latex, vinyl or industrial gloves with us today and trust Easygloves as your PPE provider.
